Get something going.....

Question

When do you use the expression "to get something going"?

Would you please give me some examples?

Also, is it possible to "get someone going"?

Finally, are the following two sentences correct?

1) Nothing like a good workout to get your day going.

2) Nothing like a good workout to get you going.

Thank you.

CalifJim · Accepted Answer

teal limeWhen do you use the expression "to get something going"?
Would you please give me some examples?

I found three definitions online.

1) Succeed in starting a machine, vehicle, process, etc.
After a quarter hour of trying, we finally got the car going.
We pitched a tent, got the stove going, and put a pot of water on to boil.
I had to call the repairman because I couldn't get the dishwasher going.

2) Start something, get something into full swing. For example, Once we get production going we'll have no more problems. This usage also appears in when the going gets tough, the tough get going, meaning that difficulties spur on capable individuals; the first tough here means "difficult," whereas the second means "strong-minded, resolute." For example, That problem won't stop Tom; when the going gets tough, the tough get going.

By extension and metaphoric usage of 1) and 2), you can get a game, a party, a conversation going.
I got the discussion going and saved my visit with Marisa for later.
Chandler Sullivan and Tyler Spicer got the game going in a big way for Dickson County.
I knew he sort of liked hunting a bit so that was the way I got the conversation going.

3) To begin a romantic relationship (with someone or each other).
A: "Did you guys get something going over the summer?"
B: "No way, we're just friends!"

I was hoping to get something going with Brad from accounting, but today's his last day!

teal limeAlso, is it possible to "get someone going"?

Yes.

1) to get someone excited; to get someone talking excitedly
I guess I really got him going on the subject of politics.
The whole business really makes me mad. Don't get me going.

By extension, it can be a group that gets animated.
The gymnastics competition really got the crowd going Thursday night.

teal lime
Finally, are the following two sentences correct?
1) Nothing like a good workout to get your day going.
2) Nothing like a good workout to get you going.

Yes. 'get you going' is more like 'wake you up' or 'get your blood flowing' or 'start your day' here. This meaning is a little different from the definition above.

These expressions are somewhat vague, so sometimes you need to stretch the meaning a little based on the context.

CJ

AlpheccaStars · Answer

teal limeWhen do you use the expression "to get something going"?

Informal situations.

The pilot set it down gently inside the walls, then couldn't get it going again.

Pop heartthrobs the Jonas Brothers sure know how to get their fans' pulses going.

Of course, the Mercury prize's primary aim is to get a debate going about music.
Roughly half the players will have to get a new contract going into next season.
Still, the 49ers would like to get their running game going before the playoffs.

teal limeAlso, is it possible to "get someone going"?

This example, and the others above are from fraze.it:

They understand the work ethic part of it, what it takes to get everybody going.
Tennessee has a chance at the upset if the Volunteers can get Arian Foster going.
If you get Dr. David Nash going on this topic, it's hard to slow him down.

teal limeFinally, are the following two sentences correct?

Yes

Get something going.....

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